AN INQUEST held today (Sept 20) into the tragic death of Haslemere resident Hilary Adair has urged greater awareness of the dangers cattle can pose.

Former English teacher Mrs Adair, 87, a mum of two and grandmother of four, died from multiple injuries after she was attacked by cattle grazing on Lynchmere Common on January 7.

The coroner at the Crawley inquest heard that the fatal assault came just a day after a couple and their dogs were chased an injured by the same cows, leaving the husband “covered in blood”.

The inquest was told that those responsible for the animals were not immediately conscious of the seriousness of the attack, viewing it as an "isolated incident".

Mrs Adair was airlifted to St George’s Hospital in London but died from her injuries on January 14.

Senior coroner Penelope Schofield returned a conclusion of accidental death.

She said: "We will never really know what prompted either the attack on Mr and Mrs Thompson or on Mrs Adair.

"There must be some learning that comes out of this tragic incident.

"Even the most docile cow will attack if they feel threatened."

She said she hoped that Mrs Adair’s death raises awareness of the dangers of cattle if they are antagonised and that people take care when they see cows.

She offered her sincere condolences to Mrs Adair’s family.

*For full story and responses see next Thursday’s edition of Haslemere Herald.